Writing a career objective for a CV

This page will show you how to write effective and clear career objectives that quickly connect with potential employers by letting them know your relevant achievements and career goals.

A career objective should be at the beginning of your CV, and is very much like a covering letter in that is introduces you to potential employers. It should be a short statement that gives the reader a quick idea of who you are, your relevant skills and also explains why you are applying for the vacancy.

As it is the first thing a recruiter will see on your CV, it must be concise, well written and targeted at the job.

What to write in a career objective

Make it personal, remember you are communicating directly to the hiring manager.

It should be written as the third person.

Briefly tell employers what you want, what job role you are looking for and your future ambitions. For instance:‘Currently looking for a suitable sales assistant position with an exciting and ambitious company’.

Try not to be vague, be specific and meaningful.

Write it so that it is specific to the role you are applying for, consider mentioning the employers name in it.

Explain what you can do for the employer, how you can improve their business.

Only include work experience, skills and information that is relevant to the position you are applying for.

Clearly and simply state why you feel you are the best candidate for the job.

How long should a career objective be?
It can either one long paragraph or two shorter paragraphs broken down. They should be short and concise and in total no more than 200 words long.

The advantages of having a career objective statement

It gives you an opportunity to speak directly to the employer.

You can give information in it that is not in the rest of your CV.

It can help to focus the readers attention from the start.

You can demonstrate to the employer your writing and communicating skills.

If you do not have one and other job applicants do then it may lessen the impact of your application.

The disadvantages of writing a career objective in your CV

They can take up valuable space in a prominent position of your curriculum vitae.

If you are poor at communicating and your career objective is badly written then it may create a negative impression of you and turn off the employer straight away. In the worst case scenario they may not bother to read the rest of your resume.

You can use a cover letter in place of a career objective, in the letter you will also have more space to get your message across.

Do employers like them
Past research and surveys have shown that on the whole most employers look favorably on a career objective statement.

Example of a career objective statement:
'A forward thinking and much experienced administrator, possessing the required drive and ambition to succeed. Having a broad knowledge of organizing and supporting the required daily activities in a busy office environment. Flexible with strong team-working skills, as well as being able to able to work individually on projects. Currently involved in a wide variety of tasks in areas such as admissions, reception work and also general office duties. Presently looking for a suitable administrators position with a reputable academic organization.'